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Directors of
American Airlines and
US Airways reportedly plan to meet Wednesday to consider a merger. The Wall Street Journal reported Monday that negotiators were still considering the makeup of the combined company's board and an exact role for the CEO of American parent
AMR Corp.

US Airways declined to comment and AMR did not return messages. The companies are trying to finish a deal before Friday, when a confidentiality agreement covering some AMR bondholders expires. That could result in public disclosure about negotiation details.

If the two carriers were to strike a deal, it would create the world's biggest airline by passenger traffic, although
United Continental Holdings Inc. would still be bigger if regional affiliates are counted.

AMR has been operating under bankruptcy protection since November 2011.

SBA administrator is stepping down

Karen Mills is leaving her post as head of the Small Business Administration, opening yet another Cabinet-rank job for President Barack Obama to fill at the start of his second term. Obama says Mills played a leading role supporting startup businesses and entrepreneurs.

Mills has served as SBA administrator since 2009.

The SBA arranges loans, loan guarantees and other assistance to small businesses. Most recently, the SBA stepped in to assist businesses hurt by Superstorm Sandy, approving more than $1.1 billion in disaster loans to residents and businesses in states affected by the storm.

Maker's Mark cuts amount of alcohol

The producer of Maker's Mark bourbon is cutting the amount of alcohol in each bottle to stretch every drop of the famous Kentucky whiskey.

The brand known for its red wax seal has been unable to keep up with demand that doubled in recent years.

So the bourbon maker is lowering the alcohol volume from 45 percent to 42 percent – or 90 proof to 84 proof.

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